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JF's avatar

I’m trying to think if there was a moment when the terrorist model became routine. I do recall when it was crime, used to fire up voters; the infamous Willie Horton ads. I think it’s fair to say, the GOP does it deceptively more than Dems do.

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Hortense's avatar

Yeah. I don't know of any one standout moment, but more of several moments slowing ramping up the fear-mongering and hatred. I'm not sure if it was about the time of GWB or his dad, but I remember thinking that the GOP was really heavy on fear (rather light considering today's GOP) in their ads and I just could not vote for that.

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JF's avatar

It feels like there’s been a switcheroo in the fundamentals of political campaigns; the conventional wisdom was that Reagan’s magic with voters was presenting a sunny outlook. “Morning in America”. “Shining City on the Hill”. Not anymore!

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Hortense's avatar

Morning in America to American Carnage. Utopian to dystopian. I vote for someone who sees the beauty, grace, strength and possibilities of our country.

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JF's avatar

You nailed it! It’s a dramatic 180 degree reorientation. Is it what some people prefer? How odd. Or are the leaders guiding it? Why? It’s a puzzle. I’m with you; I prefer to feel good. Trump et al stole that, with his gloom & doom. Joe Biden is the antidote.

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Hortense's avatar

Feedback loop. Agree 100% about Trump and Biden.

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Cheryl Kelly's avatar

Pretty sad that they are damn good at it!

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JF's avatar

Or it might be a trait of their voters, more than the skill of the puppet masters . . . The voters terrify me; I’m shocked at my fellows, I can tell you that!

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